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The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress
Published on: July 4, 2013
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Melatonin increases reactive aggression in humans
Jinting Liu1,2,3, Ru Zhong3, Wei Xiong3
1Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
Psychopharmacology
|July 23, 2017
Summary
Melatonin supplementation increased reactive aggression in men, as evidenced by their selection of higher punishments in a laboratory setting. This finding highlights melatonin
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, regulates circadian rhythms and aging.
- Animal studies suggest melatonin influences aggression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of melatonin on human aggression.
- To determine if melatonin administration impacts social behavior.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
- 63 healthy males received oral melatonin or placebo.
- Participants completed the Taylor Aggression Paradigm (TAP).
Main Results:
- Melatonin group administered higher punishments more frequently than placebo.
- Increased reactive aggression persisted after controlling for confounding factors.
- Factors controlled included inhibitory ability, trait aggression, impulsiveness, and sleepiness.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin directly influences human reactive aggression.
- Provides evidence for melatonin's role in human social processes.
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